COLLEGE MAKES IT CRYSTAL CLEAR WITH ENGINE ROOM TRAINING

The engine room of the ‘Best Cruise Ship in the World is running even more efficiently, thanks to a bespoke training course from South Tyneside College

Engineering and electrical officers from Crystal Cruises attended the College, the UKs National Nautical Centre of Excellence, to complete the Engine Room Resource Management course, intended to improve communication, leadership and interaction between technical personnel.

The course was designed to the specified requirements of Crystal, which takes a pro-active approach to ensure that its employees are trained to levels beyond normal statutory requirements. It was intended to supplement the technical abilities of those involved with enhanced communication skills, knowledge of team building, fault analysis and technical leadership, enabling each officer to evaluate his or her own performance in various simulated situations.

South Tyneside College was selected for the course following proposals from four maritime training institutions. Jerry Davis, director of Technical Operations for Crystal Cruises, explained: We had a very clear idea of what we expected our personnel to gain from this course and of what the content should be. South Tyneside Colleges proposal came closest to achieving these objectives and this, combined with the Colleges international reputation, was central to our decision.

Overall, we have been highly satisfied with the course, which has been successful in achieving its goals. Seven students, all electrical and engineering personnel, attended the first session and they have benefited greatly from the experience."

Gary Hindmarch, of the School of Maritime Studies & Engineering, said: This course is a natural extension of the crews technical training, giving them clear instruction in the skills of leadership and communication that are vital to the smooth operation of an engine room. It is an excellent example of the tailored training solutions the College is able to provide for individual clients."

Los Angeles-based Crystal Cruises, a wholly-owned subsidiary of NYK, one of the largest shipping companies in the world, operates at the higher end of the luxury cruise market. Its two ships, Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony, have won the hospitality industry's most prestigious awards and, for the seventh consecutive year, Crystal Cruises was named best large-ship line in the 2002 readers' surveys conducted by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure magazines. Crystal's third ship, the 1,080-guest, ultra-luxurious Crystal Serenity, is set to debut in July. For reservations in the UK please contact Cruise Portfolio on +44 207 287 9060.

Anyone who would like further information on all maritime courses available at South Tyneside College can call the Information Centre on +44 (0) 191 427 3900 or visit the website at www.stc.ac.uk.

ENDS